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Theatre and Performing Arts

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS

www.theatre.iastate.edu

The Theatre and Performing Arts program:

  • Utilizes a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum dedicated to empowering the citizen artist.
  • Focuses on undergraduate experiences, high impact learning, interdisciplinary and cross-community collaboration, and exceptional professional preparation and training.
  • Engages in collaborative, innovative practices in both classroom and production settings.
  • Empowers students to take an active role in an interconnected system of artistic community engagement and creative momentum.
  •  Is dedicated to individualized student-centered programming that is ambitious, relevant, and rigorous.

ISU Theatre impacts hundreds of students from majors throughout the university in our classes, productions and studios. Our students are compassionate, enthusiastic, aware, ambitious, dependable, dedicated, disciplined and generous. The Theatre and Performing Arts program offers a wide variety of courses that support the student’s individual interests and specialization. Our curriculum is flexible, interdisciplinary and dedicated to fostering the citizen artist.

The major in performing arts offers the undergraduate student a cross-disciplinary core including 26 credits in three categories: Theatre, Music and Dance.  Students also select a 21-24 credit emphasis in one or more of the following areas of focus:

  • Acting/Directing
  • Dance
  • Musical Theatre
  • Theatre Studies
  • Theatrical Design and Technology

Additional professional development occurs within two required professional internships in which students can practice the skills and passions developed throughout their individualized plans of study. Preparation for these internships include various impactful experiences in theatre and the performing arts here at Iowa State. This work is vital for students to gain a practical understanding of the rigors of the field.

ISU Theatre and Performing Arts focuses solely on the undergraduate student artist, offering students many opportunities to participate in production experiences throughout the academic year. Students implement the theories and principles explored in the classroom with experiential learning though public performances. These productions vary in scope, taking place in the 435-seat proscenium space at Fisher Theatre as well as in other intimate and “found” venues both on and off campus. Performing arts majors must maintain a 2.0 GPA to participate in production activities. Scholarships and employment opportunities are available to both incoming and current students on a yearly basis. All areas of ISU Theatre and Performing Arts, including classes and productions, are open to all students regardless of major. Visit here to learn about scholarships and all of the ways to get involved with Theatre and the Performing Arts at ISU.

In addition to building a solid foundation in theatre, Performing Arts graduates enter the world as empathetic citizen artists prepared to engage in civic life and meet the challenges of the work force or graduate school with strong skills in leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Bachelor of Arts - Performing Arts Major (Perf)

All performing arts majors must complete both the performing arts core and at least one of the emphases listed below. A Minimum GPA of 2.00 in both the major core and the chosen emphasis is required to graduate.

The Core for the Performing Arts Major (25-26 credits)

MUSIC 102Introduction to Music Listening3
or THTRE 106 Introduction to the Performing Arts
or THTRE 110 Theatre and Society
MUSIC 101Fundamentals of Music2-3
or MUSIC 105 Basic Musicianship
THTRE 250Technical Theatre Practicum2
THTRE 251Acting Foundations3
THTRE 255Introduction to Theatrical Production4
THTRE 263Script Analysis3
PERF 105Performing Arts Seminar (six semesters)R
PERF 310Performing Arts Internship (2 professional internships required)R
or THTRE 499 Theatre Internship
PERF 401Performing Arts Capstone Seminar2
Choose six credits of DANCE from the following:6
Modern Dance I
Ballet I
Jazz I
Tap Dance I
Ballroom Dance I
Fundamentals and Methods of Social and World Dance
Modern Dance Composition
Modern Dance II
Modern Dance III
Ballet II
Ballet III
Jazz II
Yoga Movement
Dance Appreciation
Sound and Movement
History and Philosophy of Dance
Advanced Studies in Dance
Teaching Children's Dance
Methods of Teaching Dance
Teaching Dance Technique and Composition

Emphasis in Acting/Directing (22 Credits)

MUSIC 118AApplied Music: Non-majors: Voice (One Semester)1
THTRE 151Actor's Voice and Movement3
THTRE 365Theatrical Design Principles3
THTRE 455Directing for the Stage3
THTRE 465Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century3
THTRE 466Theatre History: 19th Century to Present3
Choose 6 credits from the following:6
Acting: Contemporary Scene Study
Acting: Period Styles
Creative Writing: Playwriting
Advanced Directing
Seminar
Seminar: Acting Techniques
Seminar: Acting Styles
Seminar: Arts Management

Emphasis in Theatrical Design and Technology (21 credits)

THTRE 365Theatrical Design Principles3
THTRE 455Directing for the Stage3
THTRE 465Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century3
THTRE 466Theatre History: 19th Century to Present3
Choose 9 Credits from the following:9
Stagecraft
Stage Makeup
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Costume Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Scenic Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Lighting Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Sound Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Stagecraft
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Costume Draping and Patterning
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Advanced Makeup
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Stage Management
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Technical Direction
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Arts Management
Seminar
Seminar: Design and Technical Theatre
Seminar: Arts Management

Emphasis in Musical Theatre (22 credits)

MUSIC 118AApplied Music: Non-majors: Voice (4 semesters)4
THTRE 365Theatrical Design Principles3
THTRE 354Musical Theatre History and Performance3
THTRE 355Musical Theatre Auditions and Performance3
THTRE 465Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century3
or THTRE 466 Theatre History: 19th Century to Present
Choose 6 credits from the following:
Actor's Voice and Movement
Acting: Contemporary Scene Study
Acting: Period Styles
Directing for the Stage
Advanced Directing
Seminar
Seminar: Musical Theatre
Seminar: Acting Techniques
Seminar: Acting Styles
Seminar: Arts Management

Emphasis in Dance (21 credits)

DANCE 360History and Philosophy of Dance3
12 Credits of DANCE in addition to DANCE 360 and the six taken in the PERF core. At least 6 credits must be 300+.12
6 credits of 300+ credits in THEATRE.6

Emphasis in Theatre Studies (21 credits)

THTRE 465Theatre History: Ancient to 19th Century3
THTRE 466Theatre History: 19th Century to Present3
Choose 15 Credits from the following:15
Actor's Voice and Movement
Creative Writing: Playwriting
Acting: Contemporary Scene Study
Musical Theatre History and Performance
Musical Theatre Auditions and Performance
Stage Makeup
Stagecraft
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Costume Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Scenic Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Lighting Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Sound Design
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Stagecraft
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Costume Draping and Patterning
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Advanced Makeup
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Stage Management
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Technical Direction
Studies in Theatre Design and Production Workshop: Arts Management
Acting: Period Styles
Directing for the Stage
Advanced Directing
Seminar
Seminar: Musical Theatre
Seminar: Acting Techniques
Seminar: Acting Styles
Seminar: Design and Technical Theatre
Seminar: Arts Management

Suggested Four year plans for Performing Arts majors

Performing Arts B.A. - Emphasis in Acting/Directing

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
THTRE 2513PERF 105R 
THTRE 2554THTRE 1513 
MUSIC 1023THTRE 2633 
PERF 105RMUSIC 1053 
ENGL 1503THTRE 2501 
LIB 1601ENGL 2503 
Dance Elective1General Education Requirement3 
or THTRE 4991-3Dance Elective1 
 16-18 17
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
MUSIC 290F (Voice Lessons)1THTRE 351 (or other 300+ Acting class)3or THTRE 4991-3
300+ Elective3Dance Class1 
THTRE 2501General Education Requirement3 
THTRE 3653General Education Requirement3 
Dance Class1300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
General Education Requirement3  
General Education Requirement3  
 18 16 1-3
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
THTRE 4553THTRE 4663or THTRE 4991-3
THTRE 4653Dance Class Elective1 
General Education Requirement 3General Education Requirement3 
General Education Requirement3General Education Requirement 3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
Dance Elective1300+ Elective3 
 16 16 1-3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
PERF 4012General Education Requirement 3 
THTRE 451 (or other 300+ acting/directing course)3300+ Elective3 
General Education Requirement 3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective 3300+ Elective3 
 14 15
Total Credits: 130-136

Performing Arts - B.A. - Emphasis in Theatrical Design/Technology

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
PERF 105RPERF 105R 
THTRE 2513THTRE 2633 
THTRE 2554MUSIC 1053 
MUSIC 1023ENGL 2503 
LIB 1601THTRE 2501 
General Education Requirement3General Education Requirement 3 
ENGL 1503General Education Requirement 3 
 17 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
THTRE 3653DANCE 3603or THTRE 4991-3
DANCE 270 (Or other Dance course)3THTRE 393A (or other 300+ THTRE Design/Tech course)3 
THTRE 2501General Education Requirement3 
General Education Requirement3Genearl Education Requirement3 
General Education Requirement3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3  
 16 15 1-3
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
THTRE 4553THTRE 393B (Or other 300+ THTRE Design/Tech Class)3or THTRE 4991-3
THTRE 4653THTRE 360 (Or other 300+ THTRE Design/Tech Class)4 
General Education Requirement3General Education Requirement3 
General Education Requirement3General Education Requirement3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
 15 16 1-3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
PERF 4012300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
 14 15
Total Credits: 126-130

Performing Arts - B.A. - Emphasis in Musical Theatre

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
THTRE 2513PERF 105R 
THTRE 2554THTRE 2633 
MUSIC 1023MUSIC 290F (Voice Lessons)1 
PERF 105RMUSIC 1053 
ENGL 1503THTRE 2501 
MUSIC 290F (Voice Lessons)1ENGL 2503 
LIB 1601General Education Requirement3 
Dance Elective1Dance Elective1 
 THTRE 151 (or other Acting/Directing course)3 
 16 18
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
MUSIC 290F (Voice Lessons)1Dance Class1or THTRE 4991-3
300+ Elective3THTRE 3553 
THTRE 2501General Education Requirement3 
Dance Class1General Education Requirement3 
THTRE 3543300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
General Education Requirement3MUSIC 290F (Voice Lessons)1 
 15 17 1-3
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PERF 105RPERF 105RPERF 310R
THTRE 455 (or other 300+ Acting/Directing Course)3Dance Class Elective1or THTRE 4991-3
THTRE 3653THTRE 351 (Or other 300+ THTRE Acting/Directing Course)3 
THTRE 4653General Education Requirement3 
General Education Requirement 3General Education Requirement 3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
Dance Elective1300+ Elective3 
 16 16 1-3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
PERF 4012General Education Requirement 3 
THTRE 451 (or other 300+ acting/directing course)3300+ Elective3 
General Education Requirement 3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective3300+ Elective3 
300+ Elective 3300+ Elective3 
 14 15
Total Credits: 129-133

Please see the Department advisers for more information about suggested Four Year Plans for the Emphases in Dance and Theatre Studies.  Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. Diversity and a three-credit course in International Perspectives. Consult the catalogue for a list of approved courses. Discuss with your adviser how these two courses can be applied to your graduation plan.

Performing Arts Minor

To complete the minor in Performing Arts, students must take at least 15 credits of either Theatre or Performing Arts courses.  Six credits must be 300 level or higher. THTRE 224, 250, 290, 301X, 469, 490, and 499 do not count toward the Performing Arts minor. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement. The following classes are required:

PERF 105Performing Arts Seminar (3 semesters)R
THTRE 255Introduction to Theatrical Production4
THTRE 263Script Analysis3

Expand all courses

Performing Arts Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

Cr. R. F.S.


Cross-disciplinary exploration of topics in the performing arts. Six semesters required of performing arts majors; three semesters required of performing arts minors.

Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S.SS.


Required of performing arts majors. A job or internship with a professional or semi-professional performing arts organization. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(2-0) Cr. 2. S.

Prereq: Senior Classification
Collaborative study and practice of topics in the performing arts specifically aimed at preparing students for post-undergraduate life. The course culminates in an individual or group capstone project. Required for performing arts majors.

Theatre Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.


An audience oriented, broad-based, survey of the performing arts which emphasizes theatre and includes segments on television, radio and podcasts, film, dance, and music.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


An introduction to Theatre focusing on its relationship with society throughout history.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.


Study, exploration, and practice of physical and vocal techniques that build expressiveness for the performing artist.

(Cross-listed with DANCE). (0-3) Cr. 0.5-2. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.

Prereq: By audition only
Choreography, rehearsal, and performance in campus dance concerts and/or musical theatre productions. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.

Prereq: Permission of instructor
Practice in various aspects of technical theatre production. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


Theory and practice in fundamentals of acting.

(3-3) Cr. 4. F.S.


Standard structure and procedures, historical overview of performing arts production including the design and creation of scenery, costumes and lighting.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


Theory, analysis, and interpretation of play scripts for production.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 3 credits in theatre; permission of instructor; approval of written proposal

(Cross-listed with ENGL). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: ENGL 250, not open to freshmen
Progresses from production of scenes to fully developed one-act plays. Emphasis on action, staging, writing, analytical reading, workshop criticism, and individual conferences.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: THTRE 251, THTRE 263 or permission of instructor.
Theory and practice of techniques of acting with emphasis on character, process, and scene analysis.

(2-2) Cr. 3.

Prereq: THTRE 251 or Permission of Instructor
Theory, history and practice of musical theatre. Designed to develop the musical theatre performance skills of singers, dancers, and actors.

(2-2) Cr. 3.

Prereq: THTRE 354 or permission of instructor.
Theory and practice of musical theatre audition and performance styles.

(1-2) Cr. 2. F.


Introduction to the theory and practice of theatrical makeup techniques. Lab required.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.


Principles of oral interpretation and storytelling, with practice in literary analysis and performance.

(3-2) Cr. 4. S.

Prereq: THTRE 255
Tools, materials, and techniques of planning, constructing and painting of performing arts scenography. Basic principles of lighting technology. Technical drawing for performing arts production.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: THTRE 255
An exploration of the elements, principles and art of theatrical design.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Studies in Theatre Design and Production.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission from the instructor.
Special topics related to costume design.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics related to scenic design.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. S.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics in lighting design.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics in sound design.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics in stagecraft.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics in costume draping and patterning.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 357, THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics related to advanced makeup.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 255 or permission of instructor.
Special topics related to stage management.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics related to technical direction.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Special topics related to Arts Management.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Studies and practice in scenic painting.

Cr. 3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: THTRE 365 or permission of instructor.
Studies and Practice in Costume Construction.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: THTRE 251 and THTRE 263 (Script Analysis) or permission of instructor
Analysis and practice of period scenes.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: THTRE 255; THTRE 263; THTRE 251 recommended
Theory, techniques, and practice of directing.

(2-2) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: THTRE 455
Advanced practical and theoretical exploration in directing the stage play.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: HIST 201 or equivalent
Theatre history from ancient times to the 19th Century.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: HIST 201 or equivalent.
Theatre history from 19th century to present.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre courses; junior classification
Practicum in production with ISU Theatre, with opportunities for specialization within various areas. Required: Approval of written proposal.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 9 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre, approved written proposal, junior classification
Only one independent study enrollment within the department is permitted per semester. No more than 9 credits in Thtre 490 may be counted toward graduation.

Cr. 1-8. Repeatable, maximum of 8 credits. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 18 credits in THTRE, other courses deemed appropriate by faculty adviser; 2nd semester junior or senior standing; minimum GPA of 2.5 and minimum GPA of 3.0 in THTRE courses
Supervised application of theatre in professional settings.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: 9 credits in theatre
Topics may include the following:.

Cr. 1-4. Repeatable, maximum of 12 credits.

Prereq: Approved written proposal